Webster, Noah 1758-1843. US lexicographer,
whose books on grammar and spelling and
American Dictionary of the English Language
1828 standardized US English. Webster learned
26 languages and began the scientific study
of etymology. Following the American
Revolution, he was prompted by patriotic
sentiment to create schoolbooks that would
impart that sentiment to young students. His
Blue-Backed Speller sold nearly 100 million
copies in a century.